Hollyoaks announces Richard Blackwood is joining cast as Devereaux twins’ DAD
HOLLYOAKS have announced Richard Blackwood will play the Devereaux twins' DAD as he becomes the latest newcomer to join the soap.
It comes after the former EastEnders star was pictured at Channel 4's Liverpool studios earlier this week.
The soap star, 47, has ditched the east end of London for Hollyoaks village to play the part of Felix Westwood.
His new role will be the love interest of Martine Deveraux and the dad of Mitchell Dereaux, Imon Adams and Toby Faroe.
Talking about his new venture, the former MTV presenter said: "I feel amazed and honoured to join the cast of Hollyoaks. After finishing at EastEnders, I did a few plays and a TV show for America.
“Now, I feel ready with what I’ve learnt in my hiatus to be a part of this show. I plan to take my acting to the next level and this character will help tremendously with that growth!”
Imran Adams, who has been nominated for best newcomer at the National Television Awards and will be playing his on-screen son, is extremely excited to start working with the star as he has been such an inspiration to him growing up.
He said: “Richard Blackwood has been a cultural British icon for so many years. I remember being young and watching him on shows like MTV Base and BBC One and just being out there living his dreams.
“As a young black man, it was such an inspiration for me to see, and to have him be cast as my TV dad is something I will hold with me for a very long time.
"He’s such a charming, personable, hardworking guy and I feel like, because of those attributes, he will be a perfect fit in the Deveraux clan who are loved by so many Hollyoaks fans.
"It’s great to see such an iconic show have such diversity and I know that Hollyoaks will continue to be the leader with that topic and I’m grateful to have him on board.”
Yesterday a Hollyoaks source exclusively told The Sun Online: "Richard has already filmed his first scenes and he is settling in well.”
His new character, Felix Westwood, will play a face from Warren Fox's past and will rival the gangster in the villain stakes.
Hollyoaks airs weeknights on Channel 4 at 6.30pm with a first look episode following at 7pm on E4